§ 36. Flight-Lieutenant Haireasked the Minister of Education whether shortage in education today is primarily staff or accommodation.
§ Miss WilkinsonAlthough the total teaching strength over the country as a whole is the same in proportion to the number of children as it was before the war, local shortages exist and retirements of teachers who came back to or remained in service during the war are considerable.
As regards school accommodation, many schools which suffered war damage or were adapted for civil defence need to be rehabilitated. In addition to restoring education on its prewar basis, provision has to be made for the raising of the school age and for other urgent reforms.
§ Flight-Lieutenant HaireIs the right hon. Lady aware that although we are told we need 70,000 teachers, there are many teachers coming out of the Forces who are finding it difficult to obtain posts, and will not this difficulty remain so long as we have classes of 50 to 60 children?
§ Miss WilkinsonIf teachers are unable to obtain posts, it is largely because they refuse to move from the small towns or districts in which they happen to be living. If the hon. and gallant Member knows of any teachers who are willing to take posts and will give me their names, I will see that they get work.